5 times WWE used a Superstar's real-life issues in a storyline

The WWE Universe has witnessed a long string of legendary storylines on WWE TV over the past several decades, featuring some of the biggest Superstars to ever grace the squared circle. A storyline is capable of making or breaking the whole presentation, even before the eventual match is played out in front of the audience.

WWE has always tried to come up with engaging storylines to wow the fans and make them excited for the match that follows. Sometimes, to elicit such a reaction from the fans, WWE tries to use real-life elements in storylines.

In these cases, the storylines feel much more important, but it can also backfire on some occasions. In the following list, we will take a look at 5 times WWE adopted a Superstar's real-life issues in an angle.

#5 Jeff Hardy DUI angle

Back in May, WWE veteran Jeff Hardy was involved in an angle on WWE SmackDown that was dubbed by many fans as being tasteless. The segment saw SmackDown Superstar Elias being on the receiving end of a hit-and-run, whose prime suspect was revealed as Jeff Hardy.

The episode kicked off with a visual of Elias being tended by a bunch of paramedics, while a crashed car lay beside him. Jeff hardy was discovered nearby, in an intoxicated state, following which he was arrested.

Fans of Jeff Hardy who have kept up with his career so far might be aware that the former WWE Champion has had a history of DWI arrests. These real-life controversies have taken a major toll on Hardy's career, and fans wonder where he would be today if it hadn't been for his mistakes.

This wasn't the first time that WWE used Hardy's real-life issues in a storyline. WWE had used Hardy's addiction issues in his feud against CM Punk, back in 2009.

#4 The buildup to Bret Hart vs Mr. McMahon at WrestleMania 26

At Survivor Series 1997, Mr. McMahon double-crossed WWE Champion Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels came out the main event with the WWE title on his shoulder. Referee Earl Hebner had called for the bell after Michaels applied the Sharpshooter on Hart, even though the latter didn't tap out. 13 years later, Hart came back to WWE as an on-screen character and kicked off a feud with Mr. McMahon himself.

The road to WrestleMania saw McMahon and Hart referencing the Montreal incident on various occasions. At WrestleMania 26, the duo brought up the incident again when Mr. McMahon revealed that he had paid large amounts of money to the Hart family to turn on Bret. The Hitman eventually revealed that the Hart family was on his side despite taking money from Vince McMahon.

The WWE Chairman stood in the ring, dumbstruck over what had just happened. A vicious beating followed, with Hart finally defeating McMahon and exacting revenge for what McMahon did to him all those years ago.

#3 The Edge-Lita-Matt Hardy love triangle

By mid-2005, the real-life issues involving Matt Hardy, Edge, and Lita had become public knowledge, via the internet. Fans booed Lita on WWE TV even though she was a babyface at the time. Lita had been romantically involved with Matt Hardy for years, and fans were furious over the fact that she cheated on Matt with Edge. On the road to SummerSlam, WWE used this real-life story on TV, and it did exactly what it was supposed to do.

Fans were heavily invested in the angle, as they were well aware that these three Superstars were involved in a real-life feud. At WWE SummerSlam 2005, Edge defeated Hardy after the latter's head hit the ring post and he was unable to compete. Hardy took revenge at Unforgiven by defeating Edge in a Steel Cage match.

A few weeks later on RAW, Edge defeated Hardy in a "Loser leaves RAW" Ladder match with help from Lita, finally putting an end to the feud. Hardy soon made his way to SmackDown while Edge went on to become a top star on the red brand.

#2 Randy Savage's insecurity issues in regards to Elizabeth

Miss Elizabeth was one of the most popular stars in WWE, back in the 80s. As Randy Savage's manager, she portrated the role of a babyface to perfection. Savage and Hulk Hogan formed The Mega Powers at one point, which was the most dominant duo in WWE for months on end.

It all ended when Savage began getting insecure and accused Hogan of trying to get too close to Elizabeth and wanting to steal her from him. The feud culminated at WrestleMania 5, where Hogan defeated Savage to win the WWE title.

Savage's character in this feud mimicked his real-life issues in regards to Elizabeth. He was overly protective of her in real life as well, and the duo eventually got divorced. Savage bashed Hogan on several occasions after his pro-wrestling career came to an end. He also accused Hogan of being responsible for his divorce with Elizabeth. Savage passed away in 2011 after suffering a heart attack while driving his jeep in Florida.

#1 The entire Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart feud

Back in the mid-90s, Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart were two of the biggest Superstars in WWE. Both were excellent wrestlers and carried the company on their backs for the better part of the 90s. Hart and Michaels fought over the WWE title on various occasions, most notably at WrestleMania 12.

The Heartbreak Kid came out victorious in the end, winning the WWE title in the process. A rematch was scheduled for next year's WrestleMania, but Michaels "losing his smile" sent the plans down the drain. Hart faced Stone Cold Steve Austin instead, in one of the greatest matches in WrestleMania history.

Michaels and Hart had major real-life issues with each other, and it showed whenever these two Superstars faced each other on TV. Michaels and Hart weren't fond of each other and this real-life feud made sure that their on-screen rivalry would become one of the most memorable feuds of all time.

The insulting promos the two cut on each other were a reflection of what they actually felt about each other in real life. Hart and Michaels would settle their differences years later, and WWE went on to produce a DVD chronicling their real-life issues as well as their on-screen rivalry.

Ex WWE writer blasts Liv Morgan HERE